Data and Process Modeling in Systems Analysis: Tools, Symbols, and Techniques

What is a decision table?

A table that lists conditions and actions to facilitate decision-making.

What is a data dictionary?

A tool that supports system documentation and contains detailed information about data elements.

What must each process in a DFD have?

A unique name and reference number.

What types of reports can be generated from a data dictionary?

Alphabetized lists of data elements, reports on data flows and stores, and detailed reports on characteristics of data elements.

What are the risks of outsourcing mission-critical IT systems?

Concerns about reliability, control, and the potential impact of mergers and acquisitions.

What are some concerns associated with offshore outsourcing?

Control issues, cultural communication challenges, and security risks.

What should be documented for data flows?

Data flow name, description, alternate names, origin, destination, record, volume, and frequency.

What is the four-model approach in systems analysis?

Developing a physical model of the current system, a logical model of the current system, a logical model of the new system, and a physical model of the new system.

What characteristics should be documented for external entities?

Entity name, description, alternate names, input data flows, and output data flows.

What is the significance of the context diagram in DFDs?

It is at the top of a set of DFDs and provides an overview of the entire system.

What is a logical model in systems analysis?

It shows what the system must do, regardless of how it will be implemented physically.

What is cloud computing?

Online software in which applications and services are accessed and used through an Internet connection.

What happens to the number of rules in a decision table when a condition is added?

The number of rules doubles with each additional condition.

How can large processes be represented in a DFD?

They can be broken down into smaller components for clarity.

What is the role of systems analysts in model development?

They create models to show how the system transforms data into useful information.

What is the role of application service providers?

They deliver software applications or access to applications by charging a usage or subscription fee.

What should be done if two data stores are connected in a DFD?

They must be connected by a process with an intervening data flow.

What is the advantage of using decision trees?

They provide a graphical representation of conditions, actions, and rules, making it easier to interpret than decision tables.

What do data flow diagrams represent?

They represent data inputs and outputs, but not program logic or processing steps.

What is the purpose of using graphical techniques in systems analysis?

To describe an information system visually for better understanding.

What is the purpose of documenting processes in a data dictionary?

To describe the process name, description, process number, and process description.

What is the purpose of process description tools?

To document the details of a functional primitive and represent specific processing steps and business logic.

What is the purpose of the Verify Order decision table?

To document the logic of the order acceptance process.

What is the significance of balancing DFDs?

To ensure that the child diagram has the same input and output flows as the parent process.

What is the purpose of leveling and balancing a set of DFDs?

To ensure that the data flows are consistent across different levels of detail.

What is the goal of creating DFDs?

To ensure the model is accurate, easy to understand, and meets user needs.

What is the purpose of a cost-benefit analysis in software development?

To evaluate the financial implications of different software acquisition strategies.

What is the significance of providing a unique reference number for each process?

To facilitate tracking and referencing processes within the DFD.

What is the function of a process description tool?

To provide a clear understanding of how processes operate within a system.

What is the purpose of a context diagram in DFDs?

To provide an overview of the system and its interactions with external entities.

What is the objective of documenting data elements?

To provide clear, comprehensive information about the data and processes in a system.

What is the purpose of documenting the attributes of records?

To provide detailed information about the structure and characteristics of data.

What is the purpose of a Data Flow Diagram (DFD)?

To show how data moves through an information system.

What is the role of CASE tools in documentation?

To simplify the task of maintaining full and accurate documentation for complex systems.

What is the purpose of a request for proposal (RFP)?

To solicit proposals from potential vendors for software development or services.

What is a fixed fee model in outsourcing?

A pricing model that uses a set fee based on a specified level of service and user support.

What does the term 'gray hole' refer to in a DFD?

A process that has inputs that cannot produce the expected outputs.

What does the term 'black hole' refer to in a DFD?

A process that has no outputs.

What must each data store in a DFD be connected to?

A process with a data flow.

What is a data structure in the context of a data dictionary?

A record or meaningful combination of related data elements.

What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?

A software deployment model that hosts an application as a service provided to customers over the Internet.

What is a request for quotation (RFQ)?

A document used to invite suppliers to bid on specific products or services.

What is a decision tree in process description tools?

A graphical representation of decisions and their possible consequences.

What is the symbol for a data flow in a DFD?

A line with a single or double arrowhead.

What is the end product of data and process modeling?

A logical model that supports business operations and meets user needs.

What is a record in the context of a data dictionary?

A meaningful combination of related data elements included in a data flow or retained in a data store.

What is structured English in process description tools?

A method of writing process descriptions using a limited vocabulary and structured grammar.

What is structured English?

A method that uses sequence, selection, and iteration with indentation for readability and a limited vocabulary.

What is a 'child diagram' in DFDs?

A more detailed diagram that breaks down a specific process from the parent diagram.

What is Diagram 0 in DFDs?

An exploded view of process 0, showing more detail than the context diagram.

What does the term 'exploding' refer to in DFDs?

Breaking down a process into more detailed sub-processes.

What is the first step in creating a set of DFDs?

Create a graphical model of the information system based on fact-finding results.

What is the sequence of models in systems analysis?

Create a physical model of the current system, then a logical model of the current system, followed by a logical model of the new system.

What should be avoided when drawing DFDs?

Crossing lines, as it can lead to confusion.

What symbols are used in data flow diagrams?

DFDs use four specific symbols to represent processes, data stores, data flows, and external entities.

What does O-O analysis combine?

Data and the processes that act on the data into objects, which can be grouped into classes.

What attributes should be documented for data stores?

Data store name, description, alternate names, attributes, volume, and frequency.

What is a critical rule regarding lines in DFDs?

Do not cross lines.

What are the main paths for traditional software development?

In-house development, purchasing a software package with possible modification, and using outside consultants.

What is the significance of a data flow diagram in system requirements?

It helps the team visualize and understand the requirements of the system.

What is the benefit of developing both logical and physical models?

It allows for a better understanding of the current system and aids in designing the new system.

What is the impact of the Internet on software development?

It allows for scalable, flexible systems that can run on multiple hardware environments.

How does web-based development enhance scalability?

It allows systems to run on multiple hardware environments and easily adapt to increased demand.

What is a physical model in systems analysis?

It describes how the system will be constructed.

What is the significance of labeling flow lines in a DFD?

It helps clarify the data being transferred between processes, data stores, and entities.

What is the significance of a system requirements document?

It outlines the necessary specifications and functionalities for a software system.

What is the role of service-oriented architecture (SOA)?

It provides reusable business functionality through services with well-defined interfaces.

What does the process symbol in a DFD represent?

It represents a function that transforms data and must have at least one input and one output.

What does a data store symbol represent in a DFD?

It represents data that the system stores.

What is the disadvantage of the four-model approach?

It requires additional time and cost.

What is the role of a data dictionary in structured analysis?

It serves as the central documentation tool for structured analysis.

What is the role of an entity symbol in a DFD?

It shows how the system interfaces with the outside world and must be connected to a process by a data flow.

What is the difference between logical and physical models?

Logical models are developed for system analysis, while physical models show how system requirements are implemented.

What is the relationship between logical and physical models?

Logical models focus on what the system does, while physical models focus on how it is constructed.

What information should be documented for each data element?

Name, label, alias, type, length, default value, acceptable values, source, security, and responsible user(s).

What does O-O analysis stand for?

Object-Oriented analysis.

What are the outsourcing options for software development?

Offshore outsourcing and using service providers.

What are the four basic symbols used in data flow diagrams?

Processes, data flows, data stores, and external entities.

What are the advantages of using SaaS?

Reduces the customer's need for software maintenance, operation, and support.

What are some examples of web-hosted software options?

Salesforce and Google Docs.

What are the three logical structures in modular design?

Sequence, selection, and iteration (looping).

What is middleware in web-based development?

Software that connects dissimilar applications and enables them to communicate and exchange data.

What happens to rules in a decision table when conditions are combined?

Some rules may be eliminated or combined for simplification.

What must be avoided in data flow and process combinations?

Spontaneous generation, black holes, and gray holes.

What are the three primary tools used in process description?

Structured English, decision tables, and decision trees.

What are external entities in a DFD also referred to as?

Terminators, as they are the origins or final destinations of data.

What is the total cost of ownership (TCO)?

The most important consideration when deciding between in-house development and purchasing software.

What do data flow diagrams (DFDs) show?

The movement and transformation of data in the information system.

What should be used as the process name in a context diagram?

The name of the information system.

What is meant by 'parent diagram' in DFDs?

The higher-level diagram that encompasses multiple processes.

What should be included in the documentation of a process?

The process name, description, and process number.

What does the Verify Order process require for an order to be accepted?

The product must be in stock and the customer must have an acceptable credit status.

Define Web 2.0.

The second generation of the web that enables people to collaborate, interact, and share information more effectively.

What is a data element in a data dictionary?

The smallest piece of data that has meaning within an information system.

What is the importance of using unique names in DFDs?

To avoid confusion and ensure clarity in the representation of processes and data flows.

What are some software acquisition alternatives?

Traditional development, web-based software development, and outsourcing options.

What is the difference between traditional and web-based systems development?

Traditional systems are designed to run on local networks, while web-based systems are developed and delivered on an Internet-based framework.

What is a key guideline regarding names in DFD symbols?

Use unique names within each set of symbols.

What does leveling in DFDs refer to?

Using a series of increasingly detailed DFDs to describe an information system.

How is each functional primitive process documented?

Using structured English, decision tables, and decision trees.